Lead Development Test Engineer (Starshield)

LEAD DEVELOPMENT TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) 

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.  

Join the Starshield production team as a Lead Development Test Engineer developing SpaceX's newest products. This role strives to reduce hardware development time and increase reliability by testing Starshield's upcoming products, ground systems, spacecraft, and subassemblies. Our Test Engineers design, fabricate, and implement test equipment as well as conduct development tests for the new structures, components, and mechanisms. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Actively manage a team of technicians, specialists, and engineers. Hire to fulfill team needs and develop existing team members 
• Create test stand and equipment concepts, fabrication drawings, wiring schematics, and instrumentation lists 
• Manage a team that is responsible for test rack and harness design/fabrication 
• Be responsible for maintaining and modifying the systems external teams will use to request support from the development team 
• Control and forecast inventories for all parts expected to be used in the build center 
• Design and analyze structures, fluid systems, and mechanisms 
• Coordinate with design engineering to determine what equipment to procure and maintain in the test lab 
• Help train technicians and other engineers on test concepts and equipment use 
• Supervise the integration of test stands including fabrication, mechanical assembly and data/control systems 
• Operate test stands with great attention to detail (tests have very little margin for error, so attention to detail is a crucial and essential characteristic of a development test engineer) 
• Collaborate with dynamics and thermal engineers to ensure test equipment meets vehicle and environmental requirements. 
• Identifying opportunities for team growth and propose/develop training to increase the effectiveness of the engineering team with respect to company strategy 
• Setting clear/achievable goals and hold team members accountable for execution and continuous improvement in their area of ownership  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering 
• 5+ years of professional experience in an engineering role 
• 1+ year of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects and/or people 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

• 3+ years of prior leadership experience leading teams, projects or people 
• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline 
• Strong sense of accountability, integrity, work ethic, and drive to succeed 
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Understanding and proper application of GD&T 
• Experience with NX 
• Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) 
• Experience with large steel and/or aluminum weldment design and analysis 
• Experience with high pressure (up to 30,000 psi) fluid system design and analysis 
• Hands-on design and fabrication experience 
• Basic programming skills (Python, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS preferred) 
• Data acquisition and controls experience 
• Demonstrated ability to drive projects to completion 
• Experience using or setting up vibration test equipment 
• Experience using temperature and vacuum test systems 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25% to other SpaceX sites 
• Ability to work at elevated heights occasionally (scissor lifts and articulated boom lifts) 
• Physical effort including standing, lifting, and carrying equipment up to 25 lbs. unassisted 
• Ability to work in outdoor environments as needed 
• Must be available to work extended hours and some weekends 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
    
Pay range:    
Lead Development Test Engineer: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.